Gay Marriage - Reader Response

It now seems disturbingly apparent that despite ignorance I believed had now become rather embarrassingly outdated, that hostility to gay marriage remains. This is quite frankly humiliating, be it not just for the individuals concerned, but to the society that we all must associate ourselves with. I write, in the hope that one day, such antagonism will cease. Whilst I recognise the respect we are forced to show to the ‘restrictions’ in the bible, it initially frustrates me that we look to a centuries old book, to look for guidance in matters that are built upon a far more legal and fundamental basis. It is therefore matters such as these, whereby I insist our basic and innate rights as people and law, hold precedence over religion. Though this point may be taken rather personally considering the strength of an individual’s religion and its influence, I must strongly emphasise that within the walls of Britain, we remain a secular state. I would further like to stress the very subjective nature of religion in the 21st century and the infinite ways I have observed it interpreted, which leads me to question its consistency and deny its utility as strong foundations in welcoming equality. Is it logical to set our rules upon such inconsistent variations of different religions that so regularly lead to conflict and hypocrisy? Considering the revolutionary stance and step forward we should all wish to take in bettering humanity, I really must question the logic in reverting to the outdated shackles of ancient religious teachings. Whilst I very much understand and empathise with the view that marriage remains significantly a religious prospect, and appreciate the reluctance to less religiously obliging citizens, I cannot feel secure in a society that relates so weakly to human rights, integrity and equality. Instead of finding myself questioning the position of homosexual couples, I instead in rather a counterproductive form , question the utility of religion. Whilst I happily endorse the way in which religion has catalysed my understanding of right from wrong, and welcome many of the morals religions teach, I strongly vow to use my gift of free will to oppose this matter specifically. I remain both optimistic and hopeful over religion, but I am very sure that whoever the mighty power is upstairs, that he would not be so kind as to give us a morally perfect book to spend our days executing in accordance with his wishes – that rather goes against our idea to have free will to do as we please to be quite honest. But hey, what a boring place it would be if we were never challenged and we were all merely sheep. Instead therefore, I believe it imperative to question rules and argue against conformities in order to develop and improve as a society, and as a race, be it evident in the past cases of slavery and with the relatively recent acceptance of the homosexual community. Whilst I understand that this is not a matter resolved by revolution, I observe it inevitable that we will evolve as intelligent species wiling to become people of integrity and good judgement. This will only come in time and once we do escape these very traditionalist ‘shackles’ that imprison our ability to accept change, I feel we will have reached a checkpoint for humankind. Homosexual marriage should be a right as it is in some states of the US, and not merely conciliatory civil partnerships. The notion that belief in God should allow the distinction of different rights determinant on gender, continues to amaze me, and is only irrelevantly discriminatory within a secular state. It becomes an exciting prospect to be part of the first generation that welcomes gay marriage with legal backing, and I strongly implore we all seek to greet such change with open arms. I must reinstate that freedoms such as this entitlement of marriage for homosexuals is merely a right we owe, when we first addressed ourselves as a society with integrity. If we are to notice this debt to society and finally grant this backdated entitlement, not only are we aiding homosexuals in their quest for equality, but we are aiding humanity in our quest for progression. Why do we still grant the Christian religion, power in deciding the rules and morals through which we live our lives, despite it being based on a fantastic illusion that we live under the totalitarian rule of God that commits us of thought crime? Christians are infinitely outraged that rights should transcend gender, and many of us show them respect for their beliefs, and respect in order to prevent such offense from being taken. Nothing should disrespect their religion. But where is the outrage or voice, when such religion disrespects the very morals that I stand for. Where is the outrage and deserved consequences for the child sex abuse and molestation within senior ranks of the Catholic Church, who did not administer removal of such pederasts and kept it a secret for so long (specifically the molestation of deaf boys in orphanages)? Where is the outrage when Christian figureheads, state that abortion is the biggest destroyer of world peace? Where is the outrage when the Christian specified stance, is that contraceptives are worse than aids? How many people will we allow to die because of such teachings? Where is the outrage when religion forces moral people to genitally mutilate their children? Where is the outrage when we, in discriminatory fashion, give 24 seats to Archbishops in the House of Lords? The secular authorities have been feeble for too long. Maybe, just maybe, we need to prioritise the evils and ‘sins’ in this world.